Expo 2024 Chengdu closes with an Award Ceremony

Hosted in over 242 hectares in Sichuan Province, the Expo ran from 26 April to 28 October, uniting over nine million visitors, and featuring 113 exhibition gardens from 32 countries across five continents, under the theme “Park City, Beautiful Habitat.”

Expo 2024 Chengdu, endorsed by AIPH, highlighted the transformative power of ornamental horticulture in promoting green, liveable cities. The closing ceremony was marked by a symbolic performance, “Ginkgo,” which honoured the ginkgo tree’s representation of resilience, hope, and longevity. In his address, AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe reflected on the Expo’s impact: “I stand before you filled with pride, gratitude, and admiration for all that has been accomplished here.

What we have experienced over these past months has been a celebration of nature, culture, and innovation, and a testament to our shared vision for a greener future.”

Mr Briercliffe extended his appreciation to the Chengdu Municipal People’s Government, the Province of Sichuan, the Forestry and Grassland Administration and AIPH Member, the China Flower Association, who ensured the Expo’s success, praising their dedication, expertise, and hospitality.”

A Global Platform for Exchange and Growth in Horticulture

During the Expo, more than 100 international exchange activities and over 3,000 events took place, fostering partnerships and releasing cooperation opportunities that significantly boosted Chengdu’s horticultural sector. The city’s floriculture and horticulture industry now includes more than 55,000 business entities, contributing an output value exceeding 13 billion RMB.

AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio highlighted the Expo’s global significance, noting that it not only demonstrated China’s green, low-carbon development vision but also inspired hope amid global challenges like climate change: “The Expo has presented the beauty of nature to the public and sown green seeds and hope in a time when the world faces multiple challenges. We believe the Expo’s influence will extend far beyond its closing day.”

Celebrating the AIPH Grand Award-Winning Gardens

In recognition of outstanding contributions to horticulture, AIPH presented its esteemed Grand Awards to Nanjing Garden (China), Chengdu Garden (China), and Kofu Garden (Japan), honouring them for their exemplary use of plants and the blend of artistic design, cultural depth, and sustainability. These gardens were judged by an International Judging Jury composed of seven distinguished horticultural experts, including four international members nominated by AIPH and three Chinese experts, who rigorously evaluated entries through a two-round process to ensure fairness and precision in selecting top entries.

Nanjing Garden, China (2,200 m²) – Set in the heart of the Expo Park, Nanjing Garden embodies the theme “Wenqin Jinling” (meaning “the literary immersion of Nanjing”), offering an intricate journey through traditional Jiangnan design enhanced with modern horticultural techniques. Anchored by the Phoenix Terrace, with Jinyun Tower and the Jiangxi River creating a dramatic backdrop, the garden unfolds across five scenic areas, each representing distinct artistic and literary themes. The layout, with its colourful foliage, stacked stones, and undulating corridors, integrates poetry, calligraphy, and classical design, celebrating the fusion of the Jiangnan region's cultural heritage and horticulture characteristics.

Chengdu Garden, China (11,000 m²) – Located in the Chinese Horticultural Zone, Chengdu Garden’s theme, “Full Bloom of the Brocade City,” reflects the elegance of Western Sichuan gardens while incorporating sustainable, low-carbon techniques. Organised as a “one loop connecting ten scenic spots,” the garden presents a journey through Sichuan’s natural beauty and cultural richness. The east side is adorned with serene rhododendrons, the south features misty mountains and towering trees, and the west boasts a vibrant “silk brocade” of flowers. A waterfall surrounds the flower beds at its heart, enhanced by red walls and bamboo shadows that evoke Chengdu’s historical landmarks like Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage and Wuhou Shrine. With permeable paving, rainwater recycling, and over 530 plant species, including local penjing and traditional crafts, Chengdu Garden provides an immersive experience honing ecological and cultural sustainability.

Kofu Garden, Japan (1,452.1 m²) – Themed “Paradise Gorge,” Kofu Garden showcases the serene charm of Kofu through a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and meticulously curated plantings. Focusing around a peaceful stream and pond, the garden echoes the renowned Shosenkyo Gorge. A flat garden and two tea gardens—a highland tea garden and a valley tea garden—provide unique Zen-inspired experiences. Native plants like plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and hydrangeas bring the changing seasons to life with a pathway that guides visitors through Japan’s floral landscape from January to October, culminating in the vibrant autumn foliage. Using Japanese red maples, white pines, and enhanced decorative elements offers a tranquil yet enriching encounter with Japan’s horticultural heritage.

Further Awards

The International Jury presented a series of accolades to Chinese and international gardens, celebrating exceptional creativity, design, and commitment to environmental stewardship. These awards underscored the Expo’s role as a platform for cross-cultural exchange and sustainable innovation. The most notable included:

International Grand Awards: Kofu Garden (Japan), INBAR Garden, and Fez Garden (Morocco) Gold Awards: Chiang Mai Garden (Thailand), Mandalay Garden (Myanmar), Elizabeth’s Garden (UK), Viña del Mar Garden (Chile), Prespace Architekten Garden (Germany), Ball Horticultural Company Garden, and Horticultura Cantallops Garden (Spain) Outstanding Contribution Award to the People’s Government of Chengdu Municipality for its crucial support in organising the Expo A full list can be viewed below. These awards highlighted the Expo’s success as an international horticultural exchange and urban sustainability platform.

A Legacy for Chengdu and the Future of Horticulture

Following the Expo’s closure, the main venue will be renamed “Chengdu World Horticultural Expo Park” and transformed into an urban park, contributing to Chengdu’s vision for the site to become a national botanical garden. This park will serve as an enduring legacy, showcasing the results of the city’s “park city” construction efforts and providing a venue for research, technology, cultural activities, and public engagement. Tim Briercliffe praised China’s commitment to green development: “Plants and landscapes have become an indispensable element in China’s urban construction. The achievements and practices demonstrated here in Chengdu are remarkable, and I am confident that the Expo Park will become a treasured asset for future generations.”

Continuing AIPH’s Vision for a Greener Future

In his closing speech, Mr Briercliffe expressed his gratitude to all participants and visitors, affirming AIPH’s mission to promote green urban development worldwide: “Let us leave here today with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to bring the lessons of this Expo back to our own cities and communities. Let us continue to work together to build a future where our urban spaces are green, healthy, and thriving—truly, ‘Park Cities’ where everyone can enjoy a beautiful habitat.”

The success of Expo 2024 Chengdu stands as a testament to the global impact of AIPH-approved Expos in advancing horticultural innovation, green urbanisation, and cultural exchange. Looking ahead, AIPH reaffirms its commitment to fostering ornamental horticulture initiatives worldwide, promoting sustainable urban development, and inspiring global partnerships for a greener future.